Athletic director Kim Brooks announces as football and girls soccer players appear during National Signing Day at La Mirada High School on Wednesday February 5, 2014. (Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger/Whittier Daily News)

School district officials Tuesday placed longtime La Mirada High athletic director and baseball coach Kim Brooks on paid administrative leave after the release of an audiotape which captured Brooks shouting and screaming for nearly 17 minutes in a profanity-laced tirade directed at the high school ballplayers.

The recording features Brooks repeatedly cursing at his players, questioning their dedication to the program and inviting players to transfer to another school.

“I’ve been here a long time,” Brooks began. “I will tell you that was probably the most pathetic (expletive) baseball game I’ve ever seen a group play!”

The screaming fit continued as Brooks belittled the teens and their commitment to him and their team.

“I am not what we did today,” Brooks screamed. “This is not me! And you represent me!”

Brooks later told the team it’s “an honor and a privilege” to play for La Mirada.

“If you don’t get it, (expletive) get out. Get the (expletive) out! That’s the way it’s been, and that’s the way it’s gotta be until I (expletive) die. If you don’t like it, it’s easy to transfer.”

When reached by telephone Tuesday afternoon, Brooks acknowledged it was his voice on the recording. Brooks was upset with his team’s play, likely following an 8-4 nonleague loss to Los Osos on April 26.

“My language was inappropriate,” Brooks explained Tuesday. “I was trying to motivate my team after a very poor performance, and I apologize about the language.”

Wayne Shannon, the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, confirmed Tuesday morning Brooks “has been removed from the classroom at this time,” although he wouldn’t discuss the reason for Brooks’ removal, citing personnel issues.

“We expect our students will be part of a safe and engaging environment,” Shannon said.

“The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District has received a copy of a recording of high school teacher and Athletic Director Thomas Brooks,” the district said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon. “The District appreciates the serious nature of the content of the recording, and as such is conducting a full investigation into the matter. Pending completion of the investigation, Mr. Brooks will remain on paid administrative leave in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation process.

Advertisement

“Because the case involves an ongoing personnel matter, the District cannot comment further.”

At one point in the tape, Brooks indicated members of the team were upset it had to play in a tournament during spring break instead of getting some time off.

“I’m sorry that (during) your Easter vacation you had to play baseball,” he said before launching another profane tirade. “There’s some (expletive) kids at Children’s Hospital that would have given anything to be able to walk and be out there!”

Brooks’ words, however, go beyond an attempt at motivation several times.

“If you can’t (expletive) dive for a ball in the infield, (expletive) you! Can’t make a routine play? (Expletive) you! Let somebody else try to make a (expletive) routine play,” Brooks said. “You’re gonna (expletive) (complain) and moan at the (expletive) umpire? … (Expletive) you! Get off the (expletive) mound! I want a man out there. I want men!